In hopes of making a push in the final third of the season, the Golden State Warriors stepped up during the trade deadline. Involved in a four-team trade, they welcomed back defensive guard Gary Payton II. The 30-year-old who signed a three-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers was only one physical away from returning. However, the tests unfolded a shocking truth. The revelations have put the entire trade package in jeopardy. And the Bay believes the Blazers withheld critical information prior to accepting the offer.
After signing his $26 million deal, Payton II underwent surgery in the offseason. The procedure caused him to miss the first 35 games of the season. The former G League talent had only recently returned back to action. Likewise, when his trade went through, no one expected any sort of trouble. However, it seems the most unlikely of scenarios came true.
On examining the 30-year-old, the Warriors found a core muscle injury that could keep Gary Payton II on the sidelines for up to three months. And they believe the Blazers misrepresented the situation.
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Golden State Warriors raise complaints following horror trade aftermath
The Warriors are clearly not pleased with the revelations from Payton II?s physicals. Notably, they expected the star to be healthy and ready for action. That seemed to be true after the Blazers guard took part in their contest against the Bay. However, that certainly isn?t the case. Likewise, the defending champions want justice. According to Shams Charania, the Stephen Curry-led side has reached out to the NBA complaining against the Trail Blazers for misleading them.
NBA fans had several different outlooks on the unfolding. Some even believe this is part of a grander scheme. Notably, for Portland?s superstar Damian Lillard to leave based on their suspicious actions.
Warriors acting like a Karen
— Marlo Stanfield (@BooRxdley) February 12, 2023
Yeah trade is getting cancelled
— 𝐁𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐲𝐬𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 🌎⌚️ (@BobbysWorld414) February 12, 2023
Cry baby warriors
Every team in the west have beaten them
— 🏈 The Greatest of All Time 🏆 (@Greatest_Brady) February 12, 2023
Warriors need too much help
— Spencer Burns (@Burnzy006) February 12, 2023
Portland's cheating catching up to them finally! https://t.co/ylouoDv7Ap
— The King Source: All Things Sports with ADAM KING (@TheKingSource) February 12, 2023
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Yes. This will make Dame leave! I love the foresight by the warriors. All part of the plan. (This was orchestrated by both teams to pry dame away without costing him loyalty points)
— ØFF-ŠŽŃ (@teriyakitakes) February 12, 2023
Despite the complaints, so far nothing has changed in terms of the timeline. The Golden State Warriors have until Wednesday to void the trade. If that is done, the entire four-team web will fall apart. James Wiseman will make his trip to San Francisco to play out the whole season. In addition, the Warriors won?t save $37 million in luxury tax payments either. A lot rides on their decision. And it will be one the management will have to take with serious discussion.
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Do you think the Trail Blazers purposely withheld information? Do you think the NBA will punish them? Let us know your deductions in the comments below.